Current Legal Issues Seminar Series 2026

Current Legal Issues seminars feature leading legal scholars, practitioners, and judges. Delivered in partnership with the Bar Association of Queensland and the Supreme Court Library Queensland, the series offers expert presentations, commentary, and discussion on contemporary legal topics.

Seminars are held at the Banco Court in Brisbane and are accredited for CPD.

Register via the Queensland Bar Association

Download theĀ 2026 Current Legal Issues Seminar Series brochure (PDF, 1.1 MB)

    Learn more about the Current Legal Issues Seminar Series

    Parliament Building, Canberra

    The Corporate State

    16 July 2026 5:15pm7:45pm
    In a world of complex bureaucracies, increasing outsourcing, and automation of public services, is it time to reconsider questions of public responsibility? Professor Elise Bant (University of Western Australia) discusses holistic models of corporate responsibility and her theory of 'Systems Intentionality'. Commentator: The Hon Catherine Holmes AC; Chair: The Hon Chief Justice Helen Bowskill (Supreme Court of Queensland).
    Close up of holding grandmother's hand in the nursing care.

    The early experience of voluntary assisted dying in Queensland: What have we learned?

    20 August 2026 5:15pm6:45pm
    Voluntary assisted dying became a permissible end-of-life choice in Queensland in 2023. Professor Ben White (Queensland University of Technology) will discuss evidence of the last three and a half years, assessing how voluntary assisted dying is working in practice and considering possible future debates and developments. Commentator: The Hon Peter Applegarth AM KC; Chair: the Hon Justice David Boddice (Supreme Court of Queensland).
    silhouette of three people doing a business deal in a glass office.

    What is a Court-Appointed Receiver?

    22 October 2026 5:15pm6:45pm
    The appointment of receivers is an ancient equitable remedy, but has received virtually no attention in the literature. Dr Steven Elliot KC (National University of Singapore) explores and attempts to explain the jural characteristics of court-appointed receivers. Commentator: Dr Ben Kremer (Banco Chambers, Sydney); Chair: The Hon Justice James Edelman AC (High Court of Australia).
    Australian coat of arms on Parliament House, Canberra

    Royal Commissions - from William the Conqueror to Sir Humphrey Appleby

    7 May 2026 5:15pm6:45pm
    Kathryn McMillan KC will discuss a range of questions about Royal Commissions, including: what are their powers, how have they changed over the centuries, does it matter whether they are called by a State or Commonwealth government, what are their aims, and is there any rhyme or reason to when they are called? Commentators: The Hon Margaret White AO (Supreme Court of Queensland) andĀ Professor Graeme Orr (UQ).